The Catholic Women’s League raised more than $250,000 at its 53rd Annual General Meeting and Conference, held over the weekend at Lomary Catholic grounds in Galoa for the first time.
League president Maria Bereso said the bulk of funds raised would go towards the Pacific Regional Seminary to cover tuition and training costs for men preparing to enter the priesthood. This year’s fundraiser set a new record for the Catholic Women’s League.
“A big chunk of that goes to the formation of young men trained to be Catholic priests,” she said.
“We also support other initiatives, such as sponsoring children in schools and helping communities with specific needs.”
She highlighted that the league was the largest faith-based women’s organisation in Fiji, with over 1000 registered members last year.
More than 2000 women parishioners from 36 parishes across Fiji, including Rotuma and Kiribati were in Lomary and parish pastoral chairperson, Father Kasimiro Taukeinikoro said hosting such a large-scale event was both a spiritual and logistical undertaking.
“Preparing to welcome approximately 3000 women for the Fiji Catholic Women’s League conference and AGM is no small task,” he said.
“It is an undertaking that demands not only faith and goodwill but also meticulous planning and a deeply committed team.”
Father Taukeinikoro said planning was divided into key areas such as accommodation, catering, infrastructure, health and safety, and security, with dedicated personnel overseeing each component.
The annual gathering provided participants not only with an opportunity to strengthen fellowship but also to deepen their faith and reflect on their shared mission as Catholic women in Fiji and the region.